Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Calzones

Looking to whip up a delicious meal that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesomeness? Look no further than these scrumptious Ricotta Spinach Calzones! This recipe is a true gem from America’s Test Kitchen that will have your family coming back for seconds (and even thirds). Imagine a crispy, golden pizza dough enveloping a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and savory spinach – it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.

I stumbled upon this Ricotta Spinach Calzones recipe during a hectic weeknight, and it quickly became a family favorite. The molten cheese oozing out of the calzones with each bite is simply irresistible. What’s more, these handheld delights are not only a hit for dinner but also make a perfect comfort food option for any occasion. Whether you’re snowed in or looking to impress at a gathering, these calzones have you covered. And the best part? You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences or use whatever ingredients you have on hand for a personalized touch.

Quick Benefits

• Versatile Customization: Easily customize the filling with ingredients you have on hand, such as sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or cooked Italian sausage.
• Convenient Meal Prep: Prepare the filling ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, or freeze the unbaked calzones for up to 3 months for quick and easy meals.
• Family Favorite: These calzones are a hit with both kids and adults, offering a wholesome yet indulgent handheld dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Calzones Recipe

• Satisfying and Wholesome: This recipe creates a restaurant-quality meal that is both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for a satisfying dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your family and friends with these calzones – they are so delicious that they’ll be requesting them time and time again.
• Convenient Frozen Spinach: The secret hero of this recipe is the frozen spinach, making it easy to whip up these calzones with pantry staples on a busy night or snowed-in evening.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for meal prepping, you can make the filling ahead of time, assemble the calzones in advance, or even freeze them for up to 3 months for a quick and convenient meal option.
• Versatile and Customizable: While the spinach and ricotta filling is a classic favorite, you can easily customize it with your preferred ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or Italian sausage to suit your taste buds.
• Pairing Suggestions: These calzones pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad or a cup of tomato soup, offering a range of accompaniments that complement the rich flavors of the calzones.
• Flexible Ingredient Options: You can use fresh spinach or homemade pizza dough for a personal touch and control over the ingredients, ensuring the texture and flavor are just the way you like them.
• Storage and Reheating Tips: Store leftover calzones in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them in the oven for a crisp texture, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Calzones

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 pound pizza dough
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 teaspoon salt

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Calzones

Step 1: Preheat oven

Heat the oven to 500°F.

Step 2: Prepare filling

In a large bowl, mix together spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, olive oil, egg yolk, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.

Step 3: Divide dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4 equal parts.

Step 4: Flatten dough

Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each piece into a 7-inch round on parchment paper.

Step 5: Add filling

Evenly spread 1/4 of the spinach filling over half of each dough round, leaving a 1-inch border.

Step 6: Seal edges

Brush the edges with egg wash. Fold the remaining dough over the filling, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Press edges to seal.

Step 7: Cut steam vents

Using a sharp knife, make 5 cuts on the top of each calzone to create steam vents. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash.

Step 8: Bake calzones

Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with any leftover egg wash, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and bake for an additional 7 minutes.

Step 9: Cool and serve

Transfer the calzones to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the ricotta spinach calzones, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crisp texture and delicious flavor, it’s best to reheat the calzones in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave for reheating to prevent the crust from becoming soggy, ensuring a delightful eating experience.

For longer storage or meal prepping, you can assemble the unbaked calzones and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking the calzones straight from the refrigerator, you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked calzones for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap each calzone individually in plastic and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen calzones, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

These versatile calzones are not limited to the spinach and ricotta filling; you can easily customize them with ingredients of your choice. Consider adding cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or different vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Whether you stick with the classic filling or get creative, the calzones are a convenient and delicious option for a satisfying meal, especially when paired with complementary sides like a fresh arugula salad or a warm cup of tomato soup for dipping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have frozen spinach on hand, fresh spinach can be used as a substitute. Simply sauté the fresh spinach until wilted, squeeze out the excess moisture, and proceed with the recipe as directed. This method will retain the same flavor profile and add a touch of freshness to the calzones.

While store-bought pizza dough is convenient, using homemade pizza dough can elevate the calzones with a personalized touch. It allows you to adjust the ingredients and texture to your liking, whether you prefer a thinner or thicker crust. You can prepare the dough in advance or use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe for a more artisanal touch to the dish.

For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and experiment with different vegetable combinations such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These additions will add extra flavor and texture to the calzones while keeping them hearty and satisfying. Feel free to get creative and tailor the filling to your preferences and what you have available in your kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are not only delicious straight out of the oven, but they also make a fantastic addition to a picnic or lunchbox. Pack them along with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal on the go. The handheld nature of these calzones makes them perfect for outdoor gatherings or as a portable snack during hikes or road trips.

For a cozy and casual dinner party, consider serving these calzones family-style on a large platter in the center of the table. Encourage guests to help themselves to the golden pockets of cheesy goodness while sharing stories and laughter. Pair the calzones with a bottle of chilled white wine or a pitcher of homemade sangria for a relaxed and enjoyable evening with friends and loved ones.

FAQs for Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Calzones

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach by sautéing it briefly until wilted and then squeezing out excess moisture before adding it to the filling.

Can I use homemade pizza dough for these calzones?

Absolutely! Using homemade pizza dough can add a personal touch and allow you to control the ingredients for your desired texture and flavor.

How should I store leftover calzones?

Store cooled calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crisp texture.

Can I customize the filling with additional ingredients?

Yes, feel free to customize the filling with cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or any vegetables of your choice to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, these Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a must-try. The comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake and the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly crispy crust to reveal the creamy, cheesy filling are experiences you won’t want to miss. This recipe has become a staple in my home, bringing warmth and joy to every occasion.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your calzone fillings. The beauty of these handheld delights lies in their adaptability to suit your preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. From classic combinations like spinach and ricotta to personalized twists with your favorite meats and veggies, each variation promises a delightful burst of flavors. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary adventure with these versatile and delicious Ricotta Spinach Calzones.

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Calzones

Golden, flaky calzones filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and a blend of cheeses, creating a savory and indulgent handheld meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 calzones)

Ingredients

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 pound pizza dough
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 500°F.
2. Prepare filling: In a large bowl, mix together spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, olive oil, egg yolk, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
3. Divide dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4 equal parts.
4. Flatten dough: Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each piece into a 7-inch round on parchment paper.
5. Add filling: Evenly spread 1/4 of the spinach filling over half of each dough round, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Seal edges: Brush the edges with egg wash. Fold the remaining dough over the filling, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Press edges to seal.
7. Cut steam vents: Using a sharp knife, make 5 cuts on the top of each calzone to create steam vents. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash.
8. Bake calzones: Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with any leftover egg wash, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and bake for an additional 7 minutes.
9. Cool and serve: Transfer the calzones to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.